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Refugees’ Right to Work in Host Countries: The Economic Impact

By Suprita Datta | 03.23.16

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In this Report, Emerging Fellow for Defense & Diplomacy Suprita Datta argues that Refugee regimes today suffer from a lack of opportunity to develop their long-term well-being and pathways toself-sufficiency. Traditional models of donor aid and subsequently, donor fatigue, keep refugee populationsdependent on external sources in order to fulfill their needs. As the length of time a refugee remains outsidehis/her home country increases, there needs to be more mechanisms that assist in the establishment of self-sufficiency. A number of case studies have already illustrated that temporary work permits can aid this transitionwhile benefiting host communities as well. This policy paper will argue that a) temporary work permits benefitrefugee and host communities and reduce the strain on national governments b) such programs will require thesupport of the international community and c) such opportunities should not be created at the expense of localnationals. Refugees should not be cast as a burden but rather, be viewed as an opportunity for economicdevelopment that uplifts host communities as well.